Home Magazines Editors-in-Chief FAQs Contact Us

Intensity of soil transmitted helminths in relation to soil profile in selected public schools in ibadan metropolis


Biometrics & Biostatistics International Journal
Adesola A Hassan, David A Oyebamiji
Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Nigeria

Abstract

Pre-school and school age children are in the high risk category for Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections. This study was designed to investigate soil characteristics and patters of STH intensity in soil samples obtained from selected primary schools around Ibadan. A total of 480 soil samples were collected between November 2014 and June 2015 from three different locations and examined for parasite types and intensity. The spatial patterns of parasite intensity in relation to soil physiochemical parameters were determined. Parasite types found included Hookworm, Strongyloides and Ascaris. A total of 340 (70.8%) of the soil samples collected had at least one parasite type. The parasite count across the schools ranged from 11.0±9.6eggs per gram (epg) to 3.6±4.9epg of soil. The mean soil temperature and moisture content were 23.8±0.72 0C and 8.5±6.5% respectively. There was a negative correlation between soil temperature and parasite intensity (r = -0.3) while a positive correlation occurred between parasite intensity and moisture content (r = 0.3). The presence of viable STHs eggs/ larvae in soil suggests possible active transmission and high rate of exposure to infective agents among the school children. There is a need for health education on risk associated with STH infection in the environment.

Keywords

soil transmitted helminths, physiochemical, parasite intensity, soil profile, viable

Testimonials